NFL Ailments That Modified the Season
The Atlanta Falcons Arthur Smith Explains the Justification for RB Cordarrelle Patterson’s Expanded Involvement
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Against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, the Atlanta Falcons were able to get back on track, and it seems like one player on the team is starting to get more playing time on game days.
Even though he didn’t produce as much as Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson on Sunday, running back Cordarrelle Patterson is clearly a permanent fixture in Atlanta’s rushing rotation after eight carries for 43 yards.
When questioned recently about why he decided to incorporate Patterson more into his offensive game plans, head coach Arthur Smith mentioned the versatility the 11-year player possesses.
Indeed, Smith remarked, “He’s been building on it.” “You saw some information about where you saw him in Tampa. He can play everywhere, which gives you access to another guy.
He gives you that if you need to win one-on-one outside, but we didn’t have to go outside. You also mention being new. Taking on those guys is not easy. He will therefore proceed, based on the strategy. But these guys will all be involved, hopefully, as we keep improving.
In essence, Smith understands that Robinson is his “bell cow” in the running game, but he isn’t able to sustain carrying the ball 35 times per game over the course of a season. That’s where players like Patterson, who have experience in the league and can add new legs when the game gets close, come into play.
It’s clear that the Falcons offense performs best when Robinson gets a fair amount of touches, but having backs like Patterson in the wings is helpful when it comes time for him to come off the field for a play or two. The plan is to keep him in this capacity as the Falcons attempt to get back on track with some victories, at least for the time being.
